Saul Berson Quartet

Saul Berson-alto sax, clarinet

Tony Wilson-guitar

Kim Darwin-accordion, piano

Paul Blaney-acoustic bass

In over ten years together, the Saul Berson Quartet has grown a unique sound melding Middle-eastern overtones, Argentinean tango and jazz improvisation. Their 2008 CD “Intricacy” was nominated in the Outstanding Jazz Recording category for the Western Canadian Music Awards.

The band has been featured at the Toronto and Montreal jazz festivals (finalists in the Grand Prix de Jazz General Motors and the Socan Awards competition) and at Seattle's Bumbershoot Festival. 2010 marked the band’s 12th consecutive appearance at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival.

The quartet’s three CDs. From Here to Beyond (1998), Not Here Not Now (2003) and Intricacy (2008) continue to receive mainstream radio airplay in Canada and around the world on internet jazz stations. The recordings have also garnered some very positive press reviews.

PRESS AND TESTIMONIALS

“Delivering an uncommon approach to modern jazz, The Saul Berson Quartet lays down an engaging and impressive musical statement with “Intricacy.” This is definitely not your average jazz band so be prepared to hear something new and dare I say it, “intricate” and not at all standard with this album.” - Edward Blanco, ejazznews

“Fine stuff! What a treat, what a nice disc! I love this disc; I am going to put it in my big bin for my end of the year 'Hit List’ roundup…the music just makes me smile…Well done, may it sell millions!” - -Jurgen Gothe, CBC Radio Disc Drive

“Altoman Saul Berson’s rich tone is the key in this unit that explores the point where Middle Eastern and tango music meet” -Stuart Derdeyn, The Province

“Saul Berson alto solo is pure blues” - Coda Magazine

“Berson’s eclecticism has helped to make him one of the busiest musicians around town” - Tony Montague, The Georgia Straight